Trading In At Least 7 Hong Kong-Listed Stocks Halted Due To HKEx Technical Error

The Hong Kong stock exchange said Wednesday it has halted afternoon trading in at least seven listed companies that issued price-sensitive information during the midday break, because of technical problems with the exchange operator's website.

Companies that have been suspended from trade include blue chips Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. (0388.HK), operator of the exchange, as well as banking giant HSBC Holdings PLC (HBC) and Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (0293.HK).

Other halted companies include China Resources Microelectronics Ltd. (0597.HK), China Power International Development Ltd. (2380.HK), Dah Sing Banking Group Ltd. (2356.HK), and Dah Sing Financial Holdings Ltd. (0440.HK).

The exchange said its other systems aren't affected and trading in its securities and derivatives markets continues to operate normally.

All these companies reported earnings results or other price sensitive information during the lunch break. HSBC also announced a deal to sell its U.S. credit card and retail services business.

The stock exchange said that as a result of the technical problems, issuer documents submitted may not be published on the exchange's website.

In the meantime, the exchange said investors can refer to a temporary Bulletin Board, at www.bulletinboard.hk, which lists all documents published by issuers.

-By Kate O'Keeffe, Dow Jones Newswires; 852-2802-7002; [e-mail]